SCI Benzene & Styrene Webinar is set to bring you up-to-date insights on China’s benzene & styrene industry based on SCI’s close contacts with the market. This webinar will recap China’s benzene and styrene market fluctuations in Q1 2026 and make a forecast for the supply and demand pattern in Q2 2026, deciphering the key drivers behind market changes through a detailed and comprehensive set of data. Join us on April 15, 2026 and stay ahead of the industry dynamics.
Topics to be discussedIn 2025, China’s aromatics market struggled to rebalance amid a “high supply, weak demand” environment. Benzene prices trended lower and hit a near five-year low. But Q1 2026 told a different story. Benzene posted monthly gains of over 18%, with Sinopec raising its ex-works price seven times, driven by pre-holiday restocking and improving styrene margins. Styrene saw operating rates fall below 70%, while port inventories dropped to 91.8kt - well below expectations - supported by robust export demand.
Looking ahead to Q2, the market will be shaped by timing mismatches across supply, demand, and capacity ramp-ups, as well as persistent geopolitical risks. Geopolitical risks add another layer of uncertainty. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical supply chain variable, with potential impacts on shipping stability, freight costs, and regional premiums.
What’s next for the benzene & styrene market in Q2 2026? Join us at the SCI Benzene & Styrene Webinar on April 15 for a recap of Q1 highlights and a forward-looking analysis of Q2 fundamentals.
1.1: BZ – Inventory Drawdown Falls Short of Expectations, Prices Fluctuate at High Levels
1.2: SM – Low Operating Rates and Better-Than-Expected Inventory Drawdown, Supported by Strong Exports
1.3: Geopolitical Risks – The “Sword of Damocles” Over the Strait of Hormuz
2.1: SM Maintenance Peak vs. PS, EPS & ABS Capacity Launch Peak
2.2: BZ Import Arrival Pace vs. Domestic Maintenance Schedule
2.3: PS, EPS & ABS New Capacity Ramp-Up vs. Seasonal Weakening of End-User Demand
3.1: Middle East BZ Supply Landscape and China’s Import Dependence
3.2: Scenario Analysis of a Potential Strait of Hormuz Blockade
3.3: Cost-Side Transmission – The Link Between Crude Oil and Aromatics Blending
Elenor Lu Aromatics Industry Analyst
Elenor Lu, SCI aromatics analyst, is dedicated to the analysis and research of the aromatics market. After years of study, she has made deep insight into the market and delivered addresses at various conferences. Besides, she also participates in large-scale companies’ projects and is highly recognized by the industry participants.
Zhang Xiaocui Styrene Industry Analyst
Zhang Xiaocui, SCI styrene analyst, has over 6 years of industry experience. She focuses on the research of the styrene industry chain, digs deeply into fundamental data and the relationship between data, and establishes a systematic analysis, research and prediction system. Her insights have been widely recognized by industry players. She participated in the summits of the aromatic hydrocarbon industry many times, organized visits and surveys in various regions and directly communicated with customers face to face.
Li Wei Benzene Industry Analyst
Li Wei, SCI benzene analyst, has over 10 years of industry experience. She focuses on the analysis and research of the benzene industry chain. She has organized multiple visits and research in the aromatics industry and has been invited to industry exchange conferences with multiple enterprises, such as Sinopec Sales Company, Zhejiang Rongsheng Holding Group, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical, Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical, etc. She has been interviewed by mainstream media such as Global Times and Modern Logistics News multiple times.
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